Castle Sween

Castles

Discover the impressive remains of this once great castle believed to be one of the oldest in Scotland.

Located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, this imposing ruin is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland. Dating from the late 12th century, it was built by Suibhne, later anglicised as Sween, the grandson of Hugh the splendid O’Neill. In the 13th century Clan MacSween presided over a territory that extended as far north as Loch Awe and as far south as Loch Fyne. But by the time of the Wars of Independence, the MacSween’s had become adversaries of Robert the Bruce who lay siege to the castle. Their fortunes floundered soon afterwards and over the subsequent centuries the castle was passed from rival clan to clan. The castle also featured in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms when it was attacked burnt by Alasdair MacColla and is Irish confederate forces in 1647.

Opening Times

Open All Year

2015 Opening Times

1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2015

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